On the motion of a particle in orbit around a growing mass.
Abstract
By numerically integrating the two-body equations of an infinitesimal satelite about a growing planet, Dole (1974), demonstrated that the satellite orbit undergoes a decrease in semi-major axis, but no change in eccentricity. Identical results are obtained analytically from the equations of Keplerian motion. It is shown that the orbits of natural satellites could not have been circularized as a result of mass accretion by planets.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the Astronautical Sciences
- Pub Date:
- March 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975JAnSc..23...75G
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Eccentric Orbits;
- Natural Satellites;
- Planetary Orbits;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Circular Orbits;
- Equations Of Motion;
- Kepler Laws;
- Mass Transfer;
- Numerical Integration;
- Two Body Problem;
- Astrodynamics